| Called the Queen of Hill Stations picturesque, green Udhagamandalam better known, as Ooty is the most popular hill station in the South. Located in the Western ghats at a height of 2240m, Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district where the two ghats ranges meet. Nature has been generous with this region, which is by far the most beautiful in the state. Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like confiers, eucalptus, pine and wattle dot the hillside in Udhagamandalam and its encirons. Summer temperature is rarely higher than 25°c with a minimum of 10°c and winter is are distinctly cooler with a high of 21°c and a low 5°c. Curiously enough, this slice of paradise remained unknown to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to discover it in the early 1800s. They were, however, not the first inhabitants of this land as a tribe called Todas had been living there long before the British came, claiming that the Nilgiris had been their home since time immemorial. But the credit for modernising Udhagamandalam and making it accessible goes to the British who constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Madras Presidency |
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| Ooty with smaller hill stations of Coonoor - 19 kms and Kothagiri 31 kms from Ooty are the other hill stations of this district. Nilgiri is India's first biosphere. It has been declared as one of the 14 'hotspots' of the world because of its unique bio-diversity. Nilgiri presents a truly breath taking kaleidoscope of visual treats and soul stirring experience |
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| Government Botanical Garden, Ooty |
| This garden was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale, the then Governor of Madras and is spread over 22 heactares ascending the slopes on the hill at an elevation of 2400 - 2500 metres above M.S.L |
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| Lush green well maintained lawns, rare tree species (like the cork tree which is probably the only such tree in India, the paper bark tree and the monkey puzzle tree - monkeys cannot climb this tree), a 20 million year old fossilized tree (presented by the Geological Survey of India, from the National Fossil Park, Tiruvakkarai, South Arcot district, Tamil Nadu) an Italian - style garden bordering a clear pool, a vast variety of flowering bushes and plants in myriad hues (exotic and ornamental), fern house with vast range of ferns and orchids, are some of the many highlights of this garden. A flower show along with an exhibition of rare plant species is held every year in the month of May at this Garden. This garden is maintained by Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. |
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| Rose Garden |
| Rose Garden To commemorate the Centenary Flower festival, the Rose Park was established at Vijayanagaram in Udhagamandalam covering an area of 4 hectares in five terraces. The Rose Garden is situated in the lower slopes of the Elk Hill and on the North - Western side, facing the Udhagamandalam town. It is about a kilometer from Udhagamandalam Railway Station and Bus stand and has easy access with motorable roads from two sides |
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| The rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different sources. Initially, 17,256 rose plants from 1919 varieties have been planted. Lated on some more varieties are added marking the total as 20,000 with 2241 varieties. The Nila Maadam is located in a spot from where viewers can see the entire rose garden. This garden is maintained by Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. |
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| Lake Park |
| The Lake Park is situated on the banks of the Ooty lake. It is very near to the Bus stand and opposite to the Ooty Railway Station. The reclaimed area of Lake was formed as a garden in the year 1977 under Hill Area Development Programme funds by Tourism Department. Ever since the formation of the garden it is well appreciated by all. As an entertainment both for tourists and local public this garden it is well appreciated by all. As an entertainment both for tourists and local public this garden was formed so as to enable them to enjoy natural beauty with illumination during dark hours. To add attraction to the garden a fibreglass dome was constructed in the year 1978 |
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| Ooty Lake |
| The Ooty Lake is the pride of the Blue Hills. It is Central and strategic attraction. Mr.John Sullivan formed this artificial lake in the year 1824 the then Collector of Coimbatore. The Ooty lake which extends to an area of 65 acres. Earlier the entire lake was used for fishing as a major activity. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation on behalf of the Tourism Department took the possession of the lake for pleasure boating facilities in the year 1973. Another added attraction of the Ooty lake is the Mini Train |
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| Deer Park |
| The Ooty Deer Park is a unique wilderness situated on the fringes of the Ooty lake. It is one of the high altitude animal park in India. The park is a beautiful place and offers a unique opportunity to observe and study wildlife in near natural habitat. It was inaugurated in the year 1986. The total area of the Deer Park is 22 acres out of which an area of 6 acres has been developed and is open to public. This park is maintained by Tamilnadu Forest Department |
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| Coonoor |
| Situated at an altitude of 2000 ft and only 17 kms from Udhagamandalam, this is the first of the hill stations. Coonoor is a small town with an equable climate that has made it popular as a hill resort in its own right. The main attraction is the Sim's Park, which is a small well-maintained botanical garden that has several varieties of plants not to be found in the other hill stations. Viewpoints and picnic spots around Coonoor include Lambs Rock, Lady Canning's Seat, Dolphin's Nose, St Catherine Falls, Law's Falls, Ralliah Dam and Droog |
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| Needle Rock |
| It is 8 km. on the way to Ooty Gudalur road, this view point gives you a 360 degree view. The sunset from here on clear days is guaranteed to take your breath away. A panaromic view of the Mudumalai Wild life Sanctuary and Gudalur town far below is a visual treat from this view point |
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| Ooty flower show |
| "Ooty " brings to our mind the lovely "flower show" that we have heard a lot about and many of us have had the honor of being a part of this lovely display of Mother nature's gifts. |
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| The horticultural department and the Government are all set for the upcoming flower show in the month of May which is a major attraction bringing tourists from all over to get a glimpse of this colorful mesmerizing scenery. The Government has made several plans regarding traffic regulations, cleanliness and security in order to make this much sought after event a success yet another time |
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| Government Museum |
| The Government Musuem situated in Ooty - Mysore Road has items of tribal objects, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu |
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| Horse Racing : A very popular sport during the summer months of April, May and June. You can see the thoroughbreads in action here. The race course,located in the heart of Ooty, is about 2.4 km long and is one of the best courses in India |
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| Golfing : The Ooty Golf Course is unique and playing on it is an exceptional experience. It is an 18 hole natural golf course located at a height of 1,400 ft above MSL and is spread over an area of 193 acres. It is said that if you can play to a single digit handicap on this course, You an play under par anywhere in the world |
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| Snooker : Snooker was invented in the Nilgiris at the Ooty Club. Today, apart from the Ooty Club, Coonoor Club, gymkhana Club, the Lawely Institute and the bigger hotles, there are quite a few snooker parlours in town offering good entertainment. |
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| Fishing in the Nilgiris : Both fly fishing and spinning methods could prove and adventure to fish hunters. Trout fishing is available in Avalanche lake with prior permission from the Fisheries Department, located near the Ooty Bus stand |
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| Mountain Train Udhagamandalam is connected to Mettupalayam by narrow guage mountain train. One of the most picturesque train rides of India, the train goes through several tunnels, over waterfalls,edge of cliffs, tea estates, etc. While coming up, the nostalgic steam engine pushes the coaches from behind and while going down, the engine goes in reverse pulling the coaches. A ride on this scenic train route is a must |
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| Places Around Ooty |
| Doddabetta : It is highest peak (2634 metres) in the Nilgiris and is about 10kms. from Ooty bus stand. The name Doddabetta literally means 'big mountain' which is so in reality. It lies at the junction of Western & Eastern Ghats and offer beautiful vistas of the Nilgiri Hill ranges. It is surrounded by dense sholas. One can have a magnificent panoramic view of the landscape and the whole of the district and even beyond through the Telescope House run by T.T.D.C., which is an added attraction |
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| Pykara Lake And Water Falls : It is situated about 21 kms. on the Ooty - Mysore road of well protected fenced shoals, toda settlement, undisturbed grassy meadows and also a good wildlife habitat. The Pykara Dam, the reservoir, waterfalls and the Boat House attracts many tourist |
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| Kalhatty falls : It is located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13 kms. from Udhagamandalam on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat road. The height of the water falls is about 100 ft. Kalhatty - Masinagudi slopes is rich in wildlife such as Panthers, Bisons, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Dogs, Spotted Deers, Sambars and different types of hill birds |
